Military Working Dogs and their Handlers Train Together

U.S. Navy Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Jordan Fuentes, a military working dog (MWD) handler and MWD Rex conduct proficiency training on Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 31, 2018. Military Working Dogs can be used to perform searches, subdue suspects, and detect explosives and narcotics. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Sarah Mattison)

Deputy command chaplain for U.S. Africa Command engages with key leaders and local practitioners of the Islamic faith during a week-long temporary duty assignment to Djibouti, Africa to take part in USAFRICOM’s Cutlass Express 2017 exercise.

The U.S. Marine Corps is arguably one of the most revered institutions within the U.S. Department of Defense. So, when Combined Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) leadership recently welcomed members of the Djibouti Armed Forces (FAD) into the U.S. Marine Corps Corporals Course, it was a distinct honor.

As Al-Shabaab continues using brutal measures in recruiting and combatant activities in East Africa, healthy U.S. personnel are critical in CJTF-HOA commander Brig. Gen. David J. Furness’s primary objective of organizing efforts against Somalia’s leading VEO. With CJTF-HOA’s interest in readying the Somali National Army, maintaining the physical wellbeing of U.S. and partner nations’ personnel is crucial.